CHECK IT OUT … the INSIDE STORY

American Fitness, May, 1999

According to an NPD Group survey, consumer spending on athletic footware plunged 20% during July-September of 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. "The survey reported disappointing back-to-school sales and deep discounting," says Gregg Hartley, executive director of Athletic Footwear Association.

So get your shoes on and run to ... Channing's Day Spa in Chicago, Illinois, where Monday is men's day. With athletic and mellow-out massages, facials, reflexology, endermologie[R], waxing, pedicures and manicures, you will have a relaxing and daydreaming experience ... But don't forget to call your mother with the low long-distance rate of 8.9 cents per minute which the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) is offering its members through Judd Communications ... Members are also rewarded and welcomed at the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, Inc., which has become a membership organization as of early 1999. "An ATRI membership will provide you with prestige and a connection with other professionals and organizations," says ATRI President Ruth Sova. The one-year membership cost is only $155, ... which is slightly less than the $150,000 worth of fitness equipment donated by the American University's athletic department to AIDS patient organizations and elderly facility centers ... Way to go, seniors! If you are 65 or older, in vigorous shape, have a special love of learning and are creative and strong, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations are looking for you. Six senior heroes will be honored and recognized for their lifetime achievements during the Ageless Heroes ceremony in Chicago, Illinois ... Speaking of special individuals, the Super Show[R] '99 limited edition poster features The Fitness Show and Cory Everson, fitness expert, artist, athlete and actress. Get yours for only $10 by calling (305) 893-8771 and enjoy looking at it during your ... Precision Cycling[TM] classes, which combine science and fitness to produce greater performance results, being offered by Star Trac[R]. This indoor sport is available in several packages and will also be held in fitness facilities with stationary group cycles. For more information, call Star Trac at (800) 228-6635 or visit their Web site at http:www.startrac.com.Tattle fax line: (818) 990-5468.